Last week we marked Labor Day, and the Commonwealth’s economy has shown some troubling signs. But despite Democratic insistence to the contrary, the problem is not exclusively based in Washington, DC. Virginia is underperforming in places where the rest of the nation is excelling – at least this is one of the takeaways from last week’s Weldon Cooper Center projection of Virginia’s immediate economic outlook. The center projects Virginia to lose about 18,050 jobs in 2026, while real GDP grows only 0.5 percent, versus 2.1 percent nationally.
While Virginia is underperforming the U.S. and losing jobs across sectors beyond those associated with the federal government, the 2026 General Assembly legislative package – advanced by Democrats – added immediate tax, compliance and liability burdens and scheduled future payroll costs in several weak sectors. The Weldon Cooper Center says this weakness has become more broadly distributed across multiple industries, even though federal employment and spending remain an important explanation. The problem with the policy direction under Democrats is that they are not making hiring simpler or cheaper. Hiring is weak right now, and legislation passed by Democrats in 2026 makes new hiring more expensive while adding additional payroll costs for 2027-2029. While there are certainly variables out of Virginia’s control that can explain the recent economic downturn to a degree, some factors could have been mitigated by General Assembly Democrats.
Last week also marked the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Although 25 years have passed since that terrible day, it is still difficult to comprehend the horrors inflicted upon innocent Americans and how the attacks changed our outlook and way of life forever. Nearly 3,000 Americans perished while going about their normal daily routines, which is part of the reason why this heinous event strikes such a chord with us.
Each anniversary of this tragedy provides an opportunity for us to remember the brave first responders who selflessly acted to save as many people as possible on that terrible day, as well as the servicemen and women who answered the call to arms in order to protect our nation. The anniversary of September 11 is a time to renew our resolve toward the freedom and American ideals that the terrorists tried to take away from us. We must truly never forget.
As the Delegate representing the 42nd House District in the Virginia General Assembly, your concerns are my greatest priority. If ever I may be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. You can also follow me on X @JasonBallardVA or like my Facebook page, Jason Ballard for Delegate, to keep up to date with what I am doing in Richmond and in our community on your behalf.
